Tips - Christmas 06

Christmas is the time for photographs, so why not look your best by following Martin Walsh's simple techniques to taking a portfolio worthy shot every time! Martin Walsh is the director of Chadwick Model Agency - Suite 3, 31 Izett St, Prahran, Vic, 3181. Ph: 03 9529 2177.

1) Determine your best angle by looking at yourself in the mirror. Make sure you show the camera that profile.

2) It's best practice to turn your body slightly side on, as this is a more flattering look then facing the camera front on.

3) Sit or stand up straight (shoulders back, chest projected) whilst putting one foot or shoulder forward to give your shot depth.

4) Tilt your head forward slightly to accenuate your eyes (by looking up at the camera your eyes will apear bigger).

5) If possible, take your photos at the beginning or end of the day when the light is a little softer.

6) Take plenty of photos to maximise your chances of getting that perfect shot.

7) Try thinking of a funny or pleasant memory and give the camera a genuine smile!

Whilst the techniques above will help you nail down that ideal shot, looking your best in photographs starts with simply looking your best! Here are 6 simple and natural ways to look good and age gracefully:

Stand up Straight

The deterioration in our bodies often attributed to aging may actually be the accumulation of tension and rigidity in the body. When you look at your face in the mirror, the wrinkles, sagging musculature and skin is a direct result of fatigue, strain and tension. After women turn 40, they lose half to one percent of bone density every year resulting in an accelerated level of wear and tear. Studies have shown that the simple practice of standing up straight helps restore flexibility and movement to the joints and tissues resulting in a much more vital, relaxed and younger look.

Smile Brightly

Yellow, cracked or missing teeth are tell tale signifiers of age. As we age, our gums shrink which exposes the sensitive parts of our teeth. Minimise the damage to your gums by brushing softly, regularly flossing and having dental check ups. Having a dry mouth is another major cause of erosion of teeth enamel leading to staining and decay. The simple solution: drink more water!

Save your Skin

Sun damage has been shown to cause up to 90 percent of wrinkles, fine lines and sun spots. The following steps can help you maintain your skin or even reverse some of the damage incurred in your younger carefree days:

1) Clean your skin using a soap free cleaner.

2) Moisturise twice a day to increase your skin's water holding ability.

3) Protect your skin by staying out of the sun and pollution and avoiding stress.

4) Remove dead skin by exfoliating regularly.

5) Rejuvinate the colagen in your skin by using vitamin A based products.

Watch your Waist

Not only is keeping a tab on your weight and waistline a great way to look and feel youthful as you pass through middle age, it is absolutely vital to maintain your health. Excess weight carried around the waist is far more dangerous then that around the thighs and buttocks as the fat cells around the waist pump out chemicals that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Try and maintain an active lifestyle by walking instead of driving to your local shopping centre, drinking 2-3 litres of water per day and minimising the intake of uncecessary carbohydrates and saturated fats.

Sweet Sleep

Studies have shown that not only does a lack of sleep lead to irritation and a general drained look, but it may be making us fat! Those of us who sleep only 4 hours per night have lower levels of the appetite suppressing hormone, leptin, than those who sleep 8 hours per night. If that's not enough, a lack of sleep also inhibts the skin's ability to renew itself, which happens far more quickly when in repose. To look your best, aim to sleep between 7 and 9 hours per night.

Great Hair

As we age, changes in the texture and appearance of our hair make it imperative to re-assess our style periodically. Early into middle age, you may want to consider a colour that is soft and light with a style that lifts hair off the face to counter sagging features. As we get a little older, grey hair becomes an obvious tell which can quickly give up our age, so if you intend on covering greys with a colour, try a style with a centre or side part to reduce the frequency of retouching. Changes in menopause can also make hair thinner and more brittle - try a volumising shampoo or tonic to swell the cuticle by as much as 25% to retain that youthful look and shine!

Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

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